At Jean Dousset, we stand for setting the highest standard. This ethos is how we’ve come to be the only designer lab diamond jewelry brand around—applying the same mastery of heritage associated with fine jewelers (and our Cartier legacy) to the revolutionary category of lab diamonds.

One common question we hear is, Are all lab diamonds equal? The short answer is no: in the same way that mined diamonds can vary in quality and beauty, so too can lab diamonds. Keep reading to learn about how lab diamonds are made, how to identify undesirable lab diamonds, and how to choose the designer lab diamond you deserve.

Good Things Take Time

Lab diamonds are created using two primary methods: High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both methods mimic the natural process of diamond formation and, thanks to the highly controlled lab environment, allow for substantial human oversight. These conditions lend themselves to the creation of diamonds even more flawless than mined ones.

However, neither the HPHT nor CVD method guarantees a beautiful sparkler. When it comes to lab diamonds, slow and steady wins the race. What most influences the quality, beauty, and longevity of a lab diamond is the speed and care with which it’s grown. When crafted with time and precision, lab-grown diamonds can achieve luxury-level quality.

On the other hand, diamonds grown too quickly—often in a lab manufacturer’s attempt to increase production—commonly display visible flaws and inconsistencies. The problem with these diamonds is more than skin deep: In addition to poorer clarity and less overall appeal, “rushed” lab diamonds are more likely to exhibit structural weaknesses.

Lab Diamond “Red Flags”

Human imperfections are beautiful. But flawed diamonds? Not so much. Here are external and internal signs pointing to a poor-quality lab diamond that was likely grown too fast.

Cloudiness or haze: One of the most common issues with hastily grown diamonds is a hazy or cloudy appearance. This happens when the carbon atoms don’t have enough time to form a clear and consistent lattice structure, resulting in a milky or dull stone.

Inclusions and impurities: While inclusions can be present in both natural and lab-grown diamonds, those grown too quickly tend to have more noticeable imperfections. Metallic inclusions from the growing process, as well as other impurities, can appear in the diamond, detracting from its brilliance.

Uneven coloration: Rapid diamond growth can cause color inconsistencies, where the diamond appears patchy or displays a gradient of hues rather than a pure, even color. This is particularly problematic for colored lab diamonds, where consistent tone is critical.

Internal stress and fractures: Diamonds that grow too fast are often under internal stress, which can lead to cracks or fractures inside, making the stone more prone to chipping or breaking—even if early signs of these structural weaknesses are not immediately visible to the human eye.

Your Lab Diamond Checklist

While the “warning signs” of a subpar lab diamond are plenty, don’t feel discouraged—there are just as many ways to identify a lab diamond that has been given time to grow into perfection.

Exceptional clarity: With a slower, more deliberate growth process, carbon atoms can arrange themselves into a perfect lattice structure, resulting in diamonds that are virtually free of inclusions and cloudiness. This creates a diamond with unparalleled clarity and fire.

Vibrant, consistent color: Lab diamonds that are crafted with care tend to have a more even color distribution, whether they are colorless or fancy-colored diamonds. The slower growth allows for better control over the process, ensuring the diamonds exhibit the rich hues and brilliance that make them desirable in high-end jewelry.

Structural integrity: Time is the key to creating a diamond that is not only gorgeous but durable, too. Diamonds grown slowly are less prone to internal stress, making them more resistant to chips, cracks, and other signs of wear that come with your daily routine. This longevity makes them ideal for heirloom-quality jewelry that can be passed down through generations.

Enhanced brilliance: When diamonds are grown with precision, their optical properties are optimized. This means that light can pass through the diamond more effectively, creating a mesmerizing play of light and reflection that gives the diamond its signature sparkle.

Finding Your Perfect Lab Diamond

Now you know what to look for and what to steer clear of. But you’re still wondering: How do you know when a good one isn’t leading you on? (Yes, we’re still talking about diamonds.)

The truth is that when shopping with most lab diamond retailers, the majority of consumers will have to use their best layperson’s judgment in deciding what lab diamond is worth their commitment—as these retailers are not designers but rather vendors.

On the contrary, when choosing to embrace the lab diamond revolution with a heritage jewelry brand like Jean Dousset, shoppers are exclusively presented with a highly curated selection of diamonds, hand-selected by our experts and pulled from the top 1% of diamonds on the market. This means that all diamonds featured in Jean Dousset designs characterize unsurpassed quality, clarity, aesthetic perfection, and brilliance—meaning that you enjoy a worry-free shopping experience.

Indeed, not all lab diamonds are equal, and you deserve only the best.

Ready to indulge? Shop our collection of designer lab diamond engagement rings today.